Enable Developer Options or USB Debugging Mode on Devices with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean

The one thing that makes Android distinct as an operating system for mobile smartphones and tablets is its being an Open Source platform that encourages developers to engage in various types of development activities. And the one feature without which the custom development would not have been so easier is the availability of the “Developer Options” that is found under Settings of all Android devices by default.

These developer options contain advanced features that help any person with a developer’s bent of mind build, test, debug, and package Android apps and mods. In simple terms,  developer options allow quick access to and Android device from a computer via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands.

Features of Developer Options
The “Developer Options” feature is indispensable to Android developers, hackers and enthusiasts as a means to quickly access and control their device from the PC. Even if you are an average user and wish to root, install a ROM or mod on your Android device, you must turn on USB Debugging mode on your phone or tablet. And you’ll not be able to do it unless you enable Developer Options on your device first.

Among the most useful features that are  found under Developer Options are as follows:

• Enable debugging over USB.
• Quickly capture bug reports onto the device.
• Show CPU usage on screen.
• Draw debugging information on screen such as layout bounds, updates on GPU views and hardware layers, and other information.
• Many other options to simulate app stresses or enable debugging options.

The “Developer Options” has always been visible by default in all previous versions of Android. On Gingerbread (Android 2.3), it is found under Settings> Applications> Development. On Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0)  and Jelly Bean (Android 4.1 onward), it can be found in Settings> Developer Options. But if you have recently upgraded your device to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean or have bought a new device with 4.2 or higher pre-installed, do not be surprised if you find the  ”Developer Options” missing. I came across this thing on my Galaxy S3 with leaked 4.2.1 firmware and then on Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 on Android 4.2.2.

Enabling Developers Options on Android 4.2

In fact, the developer options lie at the core of Android development and so they cannot be removed as long as Android is an open source environment. The only change Android 4.2 brings in connection to these useful options is that now they are hidden by default  and you will have to make it available by doing some finger exercise.

1. Open Settings on your Android phone or tablet.
2. Scroll down to About and tap it.
3. Now tap Build number seven times.
4. After tapping the Build Number 7 times, you will see a message “You are now a developer!”
5. Return to the main Settings menu and now you’ll be able to see Developer Options.
6. Tap on Developer options and mark the box in front of USB Debugging to enable it.

It is not obvious why Google decided to hide the “Developer options” on the latest version of Android. I guess they might have done it as a warning for noobs but whatever the reason might be, you can easily turn on the Developer Options and enable USB Debugging mode in a fun way using the above method.

Note: If this tutorial worked for you (and it should work), please leave a comment below. Thanks.